“I was really shocked when I read that story. I am a professional [coach] and have been in this career for so long," Akonnor told Graphic Sports.

"I know how things work so why will I fight with a referee just because my team lost a match? In fact, it was one of the worst news reports I have read about myself and I want to distance myself from it.

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"This is because it is never true that I attacked the referee since I was [even] standing far away from where the incident of misunderstanding happened,” he added.

Ashanti Gold recovered from that defeat to pip Techiman Eleven Wonders 1-0 on Wednesday and have opened up a three-point lead at the summit of the table.